By Anita Papsmear
I am sitting here musing about another year come and gone. There has been a lot of musical exits too: Sinead O’Connor, Tina Turner, Andy Rourke, Andrew Fletcher, Shane MacGowan, Geordie Walker, Tom Verlaine, Burt Bacharach, Ryuichi Sakamoto, just to name a few. I suppose, it’s a fact of getting older. The losses start to stack up in an exponentially tragic fashion. As I send those who we lost an appreciative so long, I offer you this list of musical gems. All have received the coveted 5-Smear rating (refer to past year-end lists for the Papsmear ratings system).
Additionally, I send my hopes for peace, tolerance, and a collective wake up call to protect the rights of all people. Please vote for women, for people centered policies, and all things earth. In this next election year, we have so much at stake.
Favorite New Bands:
Girl And Girl.
This is a four-piece band hailing from Australia. Front person, Kai James, has a talent for turning painful experiences into well-written, incredibly catchy tunes. Longtime friends became bandmates with Jayden on guitar and Fraser on bass. Kai’s Aunt Lizzy graces the drums. Together, they are a force. I am super excited to hear more and catch them live in the new year. Check out their eight-track EP, Divorce+. Notable tracks: “All I See,” the title track, and “Dance Now,” which has the best video.
Sextile, Push.
Gothy goodness! Super cool stuff here. Check out: “Contortion,” “Crash,” “Modern Weekend,” and “New York,” and then meet me on the dance floor.
Best Songs of the Year:
Paris Paloma, “Labour.”
Might be the most lyrically important song this year. Amazeballs!
Blur, “The Narcissist.”
This song gives me the chills. Damon Albarn can do no wrong. This past year found Blur getting the band back together for what appears to be a one-off album, as they have since broken up. The lyrics are everything.
Miley Cyrus, “Flowers.”
Yup, I am as surprised as you are. Didn’t expect that Miley would ever be on my year-end list. But “Flowers” is a fucking great song. Co-written by 2022’s Songwriter of the Year, Michael Pollack (along with Cyrus and Gregory “Aldae” Hein), it’s so catchy that it stayed with me for weeks. Begrudgingly I might add, but fucking weeks!
Cool Tracks:
Ladytron, “Faces.”
Purrrr! Really good.
Lana Del Rey with Father John Misty, “Let the Light In.”
Gorgeous, luscious tune that sticks in your head.
Ultra Sunn, “The Speed.”
Such a cool song from this duo. Gothic industrial beats that will have you running for the dance floor.
Leathers, “Highrise.”
Shannon Hemmat of Actors fame (a Papsmear favorite band) has released another solo gem. Her blog, Daydream Trash, is pretty great too.
Yard Act, “Dream Job.”
This band hails from Leeds, and this is their debut album, which hit number 2 on the UK charts. Super excited to hear more.
Mudhoney, “Little Dogs.”
This song makes me so happy.
Public Image Limited, “Hawaii.”
This gem was a welcome and beautiful surprise. A chill wave dedication to John’s wife of nearly 50 years, Nora, who has Alzheimer’s. It warms the cuckolds.
Cigarettes After Sex, “Bubblegum.”
I have long been a fan of this band. No other band sounds like them. Their songwriting is solid. I was curious what the live show would be like, so I ventured to Denver to catch them at the Mission Ballroom. I guess I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of screaming teens that knew every word and sang every word at the top of their lungs. It was really something. I thought perhaps I had wandered into a BTS concert by mistake. With all the excess estrogen in the room, I thought my menopause would be reversed, no such luck. Great live performance!
Acid Arab, “Dōne Dōne,” featuring Cem Yildiz.
Fucking cool.
Dead Miranda, “The River,” featuring Bryce Boudreau of Lunar Twin.
Bully, “Lose You,” featuring Soccer Mommy.
Chelsea Wolfe, “Dusk.”
Softcult, “Someone2Me.”
Albert Hammond Jr., “Thoughtful Distress,” featuring Matt Helders and Steve Stevens.
Matt = Arctic Monkeys. Steve Stevens = Billy Idol. Big, huge ear worm!
Cherry Glazerr, “Bad Habit.”
Brian Setzer, “One Particular Chick.”
Lucinda Williams, “This Is Not My Town.”
Lael Neale, “I Am the River.”
Beborn Beton, “Electricity.”
The Damned, “Follow Me.”
Great tunes from a legendary band.
Drab Majesty, “The Skin & The Glove.”
Shimmery and floaty with hints of goth. Reminiscent of 1990s shoegaze, which I hear all the kids are getting into via the Tik and the Tok.
Marika Hackman, “Slime.”
Amazing. New CD, big sigh, due soon.
Audiobooks, “Burnt Pictures.”
Old school synthwave, very catchy.
Strange Tales, “Call Out.”
Swedish synth act that has been around forever. Sadly, I am a loser and just found them. But I am smitten. Great tunes from a band that shares my same musical history and love of all things 1980’s new wave. I may (or may not) have a wee crush on front man, Karl Johan Larsson.
Sprints, “Up & Comer.”
Garage punk from Dublin, Ireland. Their new record, Letter to Self, will be out at the beginning of 2024. The first single, “Up & Comer,” is a rock and roll anthem for the all too familiar female musician dilemma. Last year’s, “Literary Minds” was a favorite too.
Heartworms, “May I Comply.”
Subtle and catchy. Like a panther stalking her prey, just sneaks up on you and takes a big bite.
Jesus and Mary Chain, “Jamcon.”
New album in 2024. So excited for the upcoming album as this single is great. Love this band.
Molly Nilsson, “Absolute Power.”
This song is from 2022. Sadly, I missed this when it came out. Simply a very powerful song and a stark commentary on our current times.
Flat Worms, “Ssrt.”
Cool shit.
Glüme, “Queen of LA,” featuring Sean Ono Lennon.
Dwarves, “Do It All the Time.”
Alison Goldfrapp, “So Hard So Hot.”
We have all been in love with Goldfrapp for a long time. Now that she’s added her first name to the equation, there’s just more to love. Including the new double CD set of great tunes.
Ryan Gosling, “I’m Just Ken.”
Brilliantly written by song genius Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, and expertly performed by Mr. Gosling himself. Loved the movie too so kudos to Greta Gerwig and cast as well. I am Kenough. Are you?
Cool Full Albums:
Gorillaz, Cracker Island.
Many of the singles came out in 2022, and I almost forgot to add it to the list for this year. However, technically, it is a 2023 release date. Damon makes it on two coveted spots on my 2023 favorites. His craft for songwriting is virtually unmatched among his peers and I have a thing for his voice.
Romy, Mid Air Ethereal.
Dancey and uplifting, this album got more airplay from me this year than just about any other. Half of The XX, Romy’s smooth, airy vocals give me the chills. She sings about her experiences in love and life and speaks to the heart. So many good ones here: “Loveher,” “The Sea,” “Enjoy Your Life,” and “She’s On My Mind.”
Elisapie, Inuktitut.
Super release from Elisapie. Timeless, contemporary cover songs sung in the Inuk language. Put this CD on when you want to get lost in the cool vibrations of the day.
Alien Skin, Transparency in Black EP.
Dark and lovely tunes fronted by goth elder statesman, George Pappas, of Real Life fame. No wonder I love it! “Transparent In Black” is divine and perfect in every way.
Dope Lemon, Kimosabè.
Super love for Dope Lemon. As a DJ, having to adhere to FCC rules, it becomes difficult to actually play the Dope tracks on-air. Perfect for a drive with the top down with your shades on. “Derby Raceway,” “Miami Baby,” and the title track are some of the standouts here.
Fever Ray, Radical Romantics.
Any Fever Ray release is an aural journey and worthy of a space in your collection. Radical Romantics weaves subtle, offbeat tunes with atmosphere and melodies. Trent and Atticus help out on the tune “North,” and Karin’s brother, Olof, is on the first four tracks. What really stands out for me are the remixes, which are so killer. “What They Call Us,” “Even It Out,” “Shiver,” and “Carbon Dioxide” are favorites.
The KVB, The KVB.
Duo from the United Kingdom with an atmospheric masterpiece. They formed in 2010 and first came to my attention in 2015 with their cover of David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel.” Liked their 2021 release Unity too. That lazy beat, fuzzy, understated vocals are my favorite combo. This is a perfect album. Their version of “Pictures of Matchstick Men” (CVB) is a cool treat. Standout tracks: “Primitive,” “Liar Liar,” “I Ain’t No Miracle Worker,” and the cool creeper “Reverberation.”
Depeche Mode, Momento Mori.
Depeche Mode does it again on their latest disc with themes of loss (RIP Andy Fletcher), angst, and bittersweet hope. DM shows us their unique sound. Their solid songwriting is most welcome in a world that has become so convoluted. Not to mention, they just pulled off the biggest, most highly anticipated tour of the year. Check out: “Don’t Say You Love Me,” “My Favorite Stranger,” “Never Let Me Go,” and “Always You.”
Lunar Twin, Aurora.
Another beautiful and lush dark wave release from one of my favorite duos. “Can’t Stop the Rain,” “Traveler,” “Android Dreams,” and “Cars” for the win.
The National, Laugh Track.
Fuck! This band is so good! Another solidly beautiful, well-written release. Highlights: “Deep End (Paul’s in Pieces),” “Weird Goodbyes,” “Tropic Morning News,” and “Space Invader.”
Love & Rockets, My Dark Twin.
The two-CD set contains some fabulously repackaged classics, previously unreleased versions (all from the Sweet F.A. sessions), and an exclusive new title track. If you are a fan, the Beggars Arkive Label is reissuing collections of previous Love & Rockets back catalog. Familiar classics further explored through the vibe of lounge, country, and acoustic love. It’s a must have for fans.
Grassfight, Vampires.
This Brooklyn band recorded their debut album 10 years ago, but it was just released in 2023. A handful of the singles have been floating around for a few years. This album is fucking great. Really looking forward to more from this band, hopefully sooner than later. Highlights: “Please Don’t Tell,” “Gimme Reason,” and “Rudyard.”
Death Valley Girls, Islands in the Sky.
I love this band and every CD is worth checking out. If you can, go see them live—so full of energy and joy. Islands in the Sky is one of their best releases to date, showing the maturity this band has gathered as they have rolled along playing the world their music. There’s a full range of musical emotions here. Check out: “Magic Powers,” “When I’m Free,”” All That Is Not of Me,” and “It’s All Really Kind of Amazing.”
The Kills, God Games.
The Kills have long been one of my favorite bands (another duo), and it’s been a while since we have been bestowed the gift of a new release. God Games, 12 tracks of subtle delights, is a softer, more introspective collection. Stand outs: “New York,” “LA Hex,” “103,” and “Wasterpiece.”
Queens of the Stone Age, In Times New Roman.
It seems this band can do no wrong with me. Every album is impeccable—deep, rocking, and poignant. Lead man, Josh Homme has had a shit few years (cancer, Mark Lanegan’s passing, messy divorce), but he has managed to turn poo into gold with 10 delectable tracks. Favs here: “Obscenery,” “Canavoyeur,” “Emotion Sickness,” and “Paper Machete.”
Slowdive, Everything Is Alive.
Shoegaze professionals are back with their fifth album, and it’s a good one. Forming way back in the dark ages of 1989, this band has a depth of life experience from which to draw to add to their already shimmering catalog. Slowdive has written some of my favorite beautiful melodies of all time (think “Ballad Of Sister Sue” from 1991’s Just For A Day). All these years later, they still have me wrapped around their melodic hearts. Check out: “Shanty,” “Alife,” and “Skin in the Game.”
Magic Wands, Switch.
This duo is from Los Angeles, by way of Nashville, Tennessee. Switch is their fifth release. Post punk, dark dream pop goodness with all the trimmings. They also released remixes on, Switched (see their Bandcamp). Highlights: “Switch,” “Falling Trees,” “Whisper,” and “Dream ’92.”
Art School Girlfriend, Soft Landing.
Polly Louise Mackey’s voice fits like a velvet onesie. It’s luxurious, soft, and plush. I would go on any ride she wants to take me on. From mellow and ethereal to dance beats, her voice fits everything. Polly is a Welsh producer, musician, and singer-songwriter. This is her sophomore release. Her first release, Is It Light Where You Are? was on my 2021 Best of List. Excited for the impending trifecta of a perfect third CD. Try these on: “A Place to Lie,” “Real Life,” “The Weeks,” and “Too Bright.”
Yves Tumor, Praise A Lord Who Chews But Does Not Consume.
Simply one of the most exciting bands to hit the scene in the last few years. Sean Lee Bowie (Yves) started making music when he was 16 to distract from the conservatism surrounding him in Tennessee. After a couple musical dabbles with others, Yves Tumor was a thing! And lucky us. Five albums in and I just want to hear more. Must have tracks: “God Is a Circle,” “Echolalia,” “Fear Evil Like Fire,” and “Operator.”
Roosevelt, Embrace.
Massive beats and flowing electronic melodies for your next dance party.
White Rose Motor Oil, Gift of Poison.
Another great CD from this powerhouse duo out of Denver, Colorado. Country in all the good ways! “Meet Me at the Bottom,” “Chase Your Tail,” and the amazing and timely “Hateland.”
Cool Covers:
Florence & The Machine, “Just A Girl” (originally by No Doubt) and “Cornflake Girl” (originally by Toro Amos).
Two remakes, both on the list. “Just A Girl” (No Doubt) from 2023 and her redo of Tori Amos gem “Cornflake Girl” from 2018 that I just stumbled on…damn!
Oblique Occasions, “I Can’t Wait” (originally by Nu Shooz).
This cover is off their new album, Ketamine 3, and once you hear the track, you will understand the album concept. Super cool, slowed down version that totally works.
Reds, Pinks & Purples, “Bed of Roses” (originally by Screaming Trees).
Purrrr! #imissdarkmark.
A Song for Leon: A Tribute to Leon Russell.
An ode to National Treasure, Leon Russell, featuring musical tributes from Orville Peck, Pixies, Nathaniel Ratliff & The Night Sweats, and more.
Spiritual Front, The Queen Is Dead: A Tribute to The Smiths.
A gothy, slightly more industrial take of The Smiths masterpiece.
A Tribute to The Judds (various artists).
This is great. It is the CD you didn’t know you needed.
Juliana Hatfield, Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO.
I am loving her series of cover albums. The Olivia Newton-John covers CD is a perfect match for Juliana’s voice range. This collection is good too.
Quality stuff…
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